Contributor
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DIRECTV SD receivers becoming obsolete: Do I also need a new antenna?
Aside from the receivers, will I need to replace any other components, such as the antenna?
My two current receivers are model D11 and D12.
The antenna is oval 18" by 20". The feed assembly has the following data on the nameplate:
BSS 12.2-12.7 GHz / 950-1450 MHz
TCE Stock# 246492 Lot No. M07
BSNA5-501A
There is a 4-Way Multi-switch (two outputs used) 40-2150 MHz.
There are two DIRECTV antenna inputs to the Multi-switch:
LNB"A" 13/14V and LNB"B" 17/18V
A UHF antenna, with a DC block, is attached to the Multi-switch to receive all local TV channels separate from DIRECTV.
All systems currently working.
P.S. The Radio Shack Multi-switch was installed when the original unit was zapped by lightening.
Aside from the receivers, will I need to replace any other components, such as the antenna?
Thanks for your assistance!
Accepted Solution
Official Solution
Juniper
ACE - Expert
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22.6K Messages
4 years ago
The 18" dish is MPEG-2/SD-only. So that along with the D11 and D12 will need to be replaced. A SWM slimline dish is the replacement for MPEG-4.
MPEG swap recently has only been for a Genie setup. So Genie (likely the 3rd generation HR54) and Mini Genie Client to replace the two boxes. If they have a like for like option, a non-DVR would be H24 or H25 (depending on stock), but that might only be available as a regular upgrade and not covered by the MPEG swap program.
Check order confirmation. MPEG swap is without new service agreement and credits new monthly costs (unknown for how long). An upgrade would be 24 month service agreement and for a Genie would add $10 HD, $10 DVR, and $3 Whole Home DVR to your monthly bill.
In any case it is time to replace equipment. Non-HD TVs haven't been made in over a decade and DirecTV grandfathered SD-only service in late 2015. The MPEG-2/SD-only shutdown started in 2019. Would have already completed except for some internal challenges, as well as delays resulting from the pandemic. So the writing is on the way that SD is well on the way out.
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shannon02
ACE - Expert
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20.8K Messages
4 years ago
Yes you will get a SWM slimline dish with a power inserter unless you get an HR54 Genie or HS17 Genie2 that have it built in and most likely a SWM splitter.
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azflyer
Contributor
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2 Messages
4 years ago
Hello Shannon02 and Juniper!
Thank you for your responses. Now I know I need a new antenna and HD receivers.
I only want the HD receivers, not the DVR.
Next question:
Can this be a "DIY" do it yourself project?
The antenna was moved by me to its current location 13 years ago and works fine.
A question about the DirecTV satellite longitude: The current antenna location has limited east-west visibility, but is perfect for the existing service. Depending on the antenna azimuth to the DirecTV satellite, if different from my current operational satellite, I might have to relocate the antenna.
I am well versed in electronics and satellite communication systems . . . installing and testing satellite antenna systems world-wide. L-Band, S-Band, Ku-Band and Ka-Band. Usually antenna apertures greater than 18 meters.
Otherwise, if special equipment beyond the new receivers is required, then I'll not have special test equipment on hand (e.g. spectrum analyzer). Just let me know if this can be a DIY job for a person who fixes things in the dead of night in isolated locations . . . very used to making things work without max resources....
Here's a photo of my current DirecTV antenna installation. Recall it works very well.
Best Regards,
AZFlyer
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shannon02
ACE - Expert
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20.8K Messages
4 years ago
You can use dishpointer.com or there are smartphone apps to see where the dish can go. Select multiLNB DTV slimline 3 for dishpointer then add your address, dishpointer gives you the skew which is the tilt setting. DTV most likely will not allow you to self install but you can buy a dish and lease a box from online dealers like Solid Signal.
The new dish will not fit there and the built in meters are good enough to aim the dish but the hard part is seeing them unless you can take a receiver and TV outside near the dish.
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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22.6K Messages
4 years ago
The DIY option would also absolutely be an upgrade with the 24 month service agreement and new monthly costs. Would just be HD $10 if you go the non-DVR route. Also upgrade would not be free as authorized retailers may only do one-time lease cost. Only through DirecTV itself can a free upgrade or complimentary MPEG swap be done, which is not DIY.
HD non-DVR $99 (H24, H25)
HDDVR $199 (HR24)
Genie $299 (3rd generation HR54 is the way to go if you DIY).
Avoid the Genie-2 (HS17) if you want to keep setup simple and stay away from additional issues.
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azflyer
Contributor
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2 Messages
3 years ago
Thanks for your support in determining my path forward with DirecTV. I have been on travel for over a month and have not had the opportunity to tell you how happy I am with the new equipment!
The installer arrived when expected and had a truck full of equipment which showed me "he has done this before" :-) We visited a bit and I showed him where all the important cables are and where the TVs are. He got to work immediately and replaced my old 18 inch dish with the new one! Take a look at the before and after pics. The new equipment went in with no problems. He had to run a new RF cable to the junction box on the house back wall which feeds to the units inside the house. That went without a hitch.
He mounted the new antenna on the wall near where the old antenna had been. He clearly knew *exactly* how to point and peak the antenna. He had specialized equipment to make it come out right.
Then we went inside. We made a few cabling changes on the back of the TVs because, with the new system configuration, I can no longer have the UHF antenna used for local TV, share the same in-house coaxial cable as in the past. I'm OK with that.
So, here we are in the living room: The installer set up the DirecTV remote to control both the DirecTV receiver, and also my Sony TV! I did not expect that! I am very happy with this complete integrated solution.
Next we went to bedroom where the 2nd TV is located. The installer setup the remote control to operate the DirecTV receiver and the Vizio TV.
I am letting you know how happy I am with the installer and the final operation. This turned out really well for us!
Thank You!!
See the accompanying "before" and "after" antenna photos.
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Juniper
ACE - Expert
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22.6K Messages
3 years ago
When you order the MPEG swap from DirecTV (do NOT say upgrade) the tech will also install a new receiving dish. Until the MPEG-2 shutdown the D12 could use old and new setups, but the D11 could only use the old setup.
A direct swap would be H24 or H25 depending on stock, but very likely you would get a 3rd generation Genie (HR54) and a Mini Genie Client per equipment stocking issues plus they are heavily pushing forward with Genie setups.
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